Ten Fun Facts About Golden Retrievers

Why the Golden is our Breed of the Month

According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), Golden Retrievers are intelligent, friendly and devoted. These members of the Sporting Group have a life span of 12-14 years. They are outgoing, loyal, playful and easy to train. With all of that going for them, it’s no surprise that Golden Retrievers are so popular—and why they are the Bil-Jac Breed of the Month for July.

To celebrate the breed the AKC refers to as “The ‘Peter Pan’ of Dogs,” here are our Top Ten fun facts about Golden Retriever.

1. Golden Retrievers consistently rank among the top 3 most popular dogs in the U.S.

Their position may fluctuate, but Goldens are among the most popular dogs in the U.S. due to their sociable nature, love of people, loyalty and trainability.

2. Goldens make great family dogs. Golden Retrievers are very pack oriented.

They just love hanging out with the people who make up their “family.” A Golden is typically very tolerant of children and tends to get along well with other family pets—cats included! Add an obedient and fiercely loyal nature along with patience and a fun-loving spirit, and you’ll see why Goldens make ideal family pets.

3. They are excellent hunting companions.

Golden Retrievers were first developed to retrieve fowl for hunters at the Scottish estate of Sir Dudley Majoribanks, later to be known as Lord Tweedmouth. Tweedmouth’s goal was to develop a breed with an outstanding sense of smell that would be more attentive to its hunting companions than either the setters of spaniels commonly being used at that time. He also wanted a dog that would be loyal and friendly at home. We’d say Lord Tweedmouth succeeded beautifully!

4. Goldens are simply gorgeous!

Combine a statuesque build with a lustrous coat in all shades of gold, a well-groomed Golden is a sight to behold. But remember—that beautiful coat requires a good daily brushing and at least a once-monthly to look its best.

5. They are natural athletes.

Many of the same features that make Goldens such desirable hunting dogs also make them naturally athletic. Their broad heads, powerful necks, and muscular bodies make them extremely strong and highly energetic. They also have stamina to spare. Goldens love to chase and catch—and they are mighty good at it. But all this athleticism means Golden Retrievers need exercise—and lots of it—on a daily basis.

6. They have a long life span.

With a life span of 12-14 years, Goldens are companions that will be around for you to enjoy for a long time.

7. Goldens love to swim.

Most Golden retrievers love the water and thoroughly enjoy playing water games. Combined with their natural athleticism, this makes Goldens a favorite on the dock jumping circuit. They’re always up for a good game of water Frisbee or catch with a tennis ball or other toy.

8. They are easy to train.

So easy, in fact, that they are a popular choice for movies and TV shows. Want more proof that they’re highly trainable? The first three dogs ever to win the AKC obedience championship were Golden Retrievers, which are ranked 4th by Stanley Coren in his book, The Intelligence of Dogs.

9. They make great therapy and service dogs.

Partly because they are so highly trainable, Golden Retrievers are excellent choices for therapy or canine assistance. Service dogs must be trained to perform important tasks for people with physical or mental disabilities. Goldens are used as guide dogs, hearing dogs, medical alert dogs and much more.

10. They make outstanding search and rescue dogs.

Thanks to their intelligence and their sharp sense of smell, Golden Retrievers excel in search and rescue operations and as therapy or guide dogs. Their hardworking, attentive natures help, as Goldens can maintain their focus and follow their noses wherever they lead.

From trainability to loyalty, athleticism to sheer beauty, the Golden Retriever is one of the most beloved dog breeds in the world.